Communication & Conflict Management
Let your differences make you stronger
The Challenge
Conflict is both an unavoidable by-product of the human experience and an integral part of family enterprise ownership. Conflict itself is neither good nor bad — growth and development typically require some degree of dynamic tension. However, there are better and worse ways of managing this conflict. Business families that thrive learn to manage conflict constructively and treat this as an essential skill that improves their odds of continuity, though these skills don’t always come naturally.
Conflicts also need to be distinguished from mere disagreements or disputes, which can usually be resolved through negotiation. In contrast, conflicts contain an emotional component that implies value judgments or core principles that are non-negotiable. They are often rooted in deeper historical resentments — particularly where some family members harbor long lists of how they were wronged or what they are owed and what should be done to make amends. These are what we call ‘historical impasses’, and they are quite common in families, are easily inherited, and therefore survive for generations, potentially causing deep emotional and economic distress.
Our Solution
At LGA, we help enterprising families develop effective conflict management processes and structures to address these persistent issues. When needed, we also facilitate individual and group conversations that help contextualize the issues, building empathy with each other’s point of view and developing solutions that are durable and constructive.
How does it work?
Together with your family, we first explore the roots of the underlying conflict: how it developed and why it has become an impediment to effective governance and healthy family dynamics.
This approach covers both the objective elements of the conflict as well as the internal emotional drivers of the family members involved. Bringing these issues to the surface thoughtfully and constructively is the first critical step in conflict resolution.
Once we establish this common understanding, we then explore a range of initiatives that can enhance the functioning of your family system, including defining common objectives, clarifying roles and structures, and improving interpersonal communication.
We also facilitate individual or group conversations as needed to help resolve existing conflicts by offering external, unbiased perspectives and experienced facilitation.
How does your family benefit?
Our approach provides your family with a reference framework that helps all members to better understand how conflicts can occur, and most importantly, how to avoid their escalation before they become destructive of the family system.
Case Studies
Case Study: Launching a Family Office
The second-generation CEO of a large family enterprise was approached by a strategic investor who made a generous and unsolicited offer for their legacy operating business. The CEO had previously never explored a sale — both because of her strong emotional connection to the company and its employees — two of whom were her kids — and because of its attractive cash flow and growth profile.
Case Study: Sustaining Engagement in a Cousins Consortium
Three third-generation Family Directors of a large enterprising family were attending a global conference focused on innovation and growth. Their 90-year old family had deep pride and gratitude for the success and leadership of previous generations. However, there were no family members currently working actively in the business, and the family’s only connection to their vast operations — which spanned eight industries and three continents — was limited to these three members of the Board.
Related Insights
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Many families have decided to formalize a Family Office to serve the financial and professional needs of family members.
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As a result of our expertise, we are able to assist families across the spectrum of needs.
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What is the impact of political polarization on family businesses?
In principle, everyone in a family business, from shareholders and board members to executives and employees, has a right to their own politics.
Educating family business owners
We conceptualize two interrelated approaches to education: a deductive or “outside-in” approach.
Featured advisors
Nicolas Hollanders
Nicolas specializes in governance design and succession planning for family enterprises around the world.
Francisco Valera
Francisco specializes in research and consulting for complex family enterprises. His duties included doing economic analysis and family business education.
Maria Cecilia Escallon
Maria has over 20 years of finance and governance experience within family businesses and actively serves on several Boards.
Nate Hamilton
Nathan is an accomplished executive with wide-ranging experience across a variety of private and not-for-profit organizations.
Sarah Cox
Sarah provides consultation to multi-generation family businesses regarding governance, shareholder development, and leadership development.
Bob Kohli
Bob has decades of experience as a global advisor, predominantly in the Middle East and South Asia, with a focus on strategic planning and governance.